Traffic tips

Help emergency vehicles keep moving.

Q: I live in Fort Lauderdale and face traffic congestion on a daily basis. What is most

troubling to me is seeing emergency vehicles such as fire, police and ambulances stuck in gridlock. Traffic is no longer an inconvenience, it is a safety hazard. Is there anything that can be done to ease the flow of traffic? — Kristen Maus, Fort Lauderdale

A: Fortunately, many emergency responders have tools, tactics and technology that most

drivers don’t.

There are Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that identify upcoming road blocks, Global Positioning Satellite mapping (GPS) that shows the shortest routes, Enhanced Traffic Preemption devices that can turn traffic signals green as a fire engine or ambulance approaches intersections, and emergency crews can call ahead to keep drawbridges down.

But, nothing works better than driver awareness, according to Mike Jachles, with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue.

“When you hear the sirens, look around, be alert, know what’s coming, and know where to go to get out of the way safely,” he said.

He recommends drivers move to the nearest curb to make way for emergency vehicles. That could include slowly and safely passing through a stop sign or red light or driving around the block if moved out of your lane.

Railroad crossings are a little more challenging. Tri-Rail trains are frequent but they are short and pass quickly.

Also, Fort Lauderdale has just introduced the LauderStreet app that can show you how to avoid

preplanned roadblocks within the city.

Q: What’s up with the Golden Glades interchange these days? I’ve been commuting on Interstate 95 from Hollywood to North Miami for more than 18 years. But, it’s been bumper to bumper from Ives Dairy Road south for maybe the past three to four months. Has something changed? Is it just a sudden increase in traffic volume? — Dave Fletcher, Hollywood

A: There are more cars on the roadway and it has been getting busier earlier during the morning peak period, 6 to 9 a.m., since October, according to the Florida Department of Transportation’s Traffic Management Center.

While there are more cars, officials said they monitor traffic volume through the corridor and there is no significant change in average travel speeds during the morning rush hours.

Keep in mind, southbound I-95 goes from five general use lanes and one express toll lane at Ives Dairy Road to three general use lanes and two toll lanes before reaching Miami Gardens Drive.

Add the traffic from both entrance ramps to the narrowing highway and you’ve got a bottleneck with backups.

The highway widens to four general use lanes and one express lane before reaching the Golden Glades Interchange.

Traffic delays are posted on electronic message boards overhead and drivers can also call 511 for real time traffic information that can help with the daily commute, officials said.